I think we are facing a scheduling problem. The committee has suspended its study of the ombudsman issue. Some veterans have told us that they more or less agree. I think the study is drawing to a close and that we need only get the opinion of someone like André Marin, who is now the ombudsman of Ontario, and who was formerly the ombudsman of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces. He could tell us whether or not we need an ombudsman for veterans. We could also ask an ombudsman in another province to explain what the role of a veterans' ombudsman would be and whether we need one. I think we do, but we have to make a decision about that. We have heard the views of those who would benefit from an ombudsman. We must now hear from specialists who have some experience as ombudsmen.
On September 20th, 2006. See this statement in context.